Federline files for support

Los Angeles – A day after Britney Spears filed divorce papers, Kevin Federline counter-filed court papers Wednesday seeking sole custody of the couple’s two children.

The former backup dancer and aspiring rapper is also seeking spousal support. He says the couple’s community assets are “uncertain,” though Spears said in her divorce papers there were none to speak of, suggesting the two had a prenuptial agreement in place.

“Kevin is prepared to go the distance in order to do what he feels is necessary to protect and safeguard the children and will not be intimidated or dissuaded from pursuit of those goals,” said Michael Sands, spokesman for Federline’s attorney, Mark Vincent Kaplan.

Citing “irreconcilable differences,” Spears filed for divorce Tuesday.

Spears, 24, and Federline, 28, have a 1-year-old son, Sean Preston, and an infant son, Jayden James, who was born Sept. 12. Spears is seeking custody of both children.

Witherspoon officially files for divorce

Los Angeles – Nearly two weeks after Reese Witherspoon announced her separation from Ryan Phillippe, the actress has filed for divorce.

In Wednesday’s filing, Witherspoon cites “irreconcilable differences” and seeks physical custody of the couple’s two children – 7-year-old Ava and 3-year-old Deacon.

Witherspoon, 30, also seeks visitation for Phillippe, 32, and “exclusive use of the family residence.” Witherspoon also asked for the court to terminate its ability to award spousal support to Phillippe.

A call to Phillippe’s publicist, Nancy Ryder, was not immediately returned Wednesday.

The filing does not list separate or community property, saying the nature of the assets has yet to be determined.

The couple, who costarred in the 1999 release “Cruel Intentions,” married that year. Their separation was announced Oct. 30 by a publicist who declined to elaborate on the reason for the split.

Cosby settles lawsuit

Philadelphia – Bill Cosby settled a civil lawsuit filed by a woman who said the entertainer drugged and sexually assaulted her at his home outside Philadelphia.

Terms of the settlement will remain confidential, according to a one-paragraph statement issued Wednesday by the woman’s law firm.

The woman claimed that Cosby, 69, assaulted her at his mansion in Cheltenham in early 2004. Attorneys for Cosby say the comedian gave the woman Benadryl after she complained of stress and sleeping problems.

The federal judge presiding over the case earlier denied Cosby’s request for a gag order and the plaintiff’s request to shield the names of a dozen other women who say Cosby assaulted them.

The plaintiff, a native of Ontario, Canada, who is in her 30s, previously worked at Temple University in Philadelphia. She is identified in court documents, but The Associated Press does not publish names of alleged sexual assault victims without their consent.

The woman, who called Cosby a friend and mentor, went to police about a year after the encounter, but Montgomery County prosecutors declined to file criminal charges. She then filed a lawsuit.

The accuser also sought damages for defamation after Cosby’s representatives allegedly suggested that her family had asked him for money before going to police.

Jackson to perform at awards show

London – Michael Jackson will perform “Thriller” from his famed 1982 album in a rare public appearance at the World Music Awards next week, organizers said.

Jackson last performed in Britain in 1997. Organizers announced Wednesday that he would perform “Thriller” at this year’s show, to be held Wednesday at London’s Earls Court Arena.

The 48-year-old reclusive pop star will receive the Diamond Award, given to artists who sell more than 100 million albums.

Previous recipients include Rod Stewart, Mariah Carey and Celine Dion. The annual show business awards select winners based on the strength of their worldwide record sales.

Lindsay Lohan is scheduled to host this year’s event, which will include performances by Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Katie Melua and Andrea Bocelli.